At the University of Mississippi, Erika Kirk, widow of the late activist Charlie Kirk, made an emotional appearance to mark her new role as CEO of Turning Point USA. Her husband was “fatally killed” on September 10 after a gunman opened fire during a Republican debate in Utah.

Fighting tears, Erika told the audience, “When our team asked my dear friend, Vice President JD Vance, to speak today, I really prayed on it… I could just hear Charlie in my heart. I could just hear him say, ‘Go reclaim that territory, babe. The battle’s already won. God’s love conquers.’”

She added, “No one will ever replace my husband, but I do see some similarities of my husband in JD— in Vice President JD Vance.” When Vance took the stage, he hugged her tightly, a gesture that sparked heated debate online due to its length and perceived intimacy.

Some critics called the hug “inappropriate,” while a lip reader argued it was purely emotional. According to her, Vance told Erika, “I’m proud of you,” and she replied, “It’s not gonna bring him back.”

Though she hasn’t publicly addressed the viral moment, Erika later spoke to Fox News, saying, “There have been cameras all over me, analysing my every move, my every smile, my every tear.”